Coldplay and Ellie Goulding for Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival

Three other big names confirmed for Exeter event in May

Ready to go home Chris Martin grew up in Exeter, where Coldplay will headline Radio 1's Big Weekend. Image Picture Sarah Jeynes/BBC

Coldplay and Ellie Goulding head the first names for Radio 1’s festival Big Weekend, which will take place on May 28-29.

Traditionally seen as the first major festival of the year, the line-up will also see Bring Me The Horizon, Chase And Status and Craig David perform.

Big Weekend takes place in a different city each year, with 2016’s festival taking place at Exeter’s Powderham Castle.

The festival is a homecoming for Coldplay singer Chris Martin, who grew up in the town. He said: “I was born and raised in Exeter, so being part of Big Weekend means a huge amount to me personally. I lived the first few years of my life less than 500 yards from where we’ll be performing, so this couldn’t be more of a homecoming for me. Guy, Will, Jonny and I are honoured to be on the bill and we’re looking forward to a very special show.”

Radio 1 will also host its Radio 1 Academy in Exeter from April, which sees careers advice classes for 16-19-year-olds. It climaxes with a series of gigs, as well as masterclasses with music industry figures.

The station’s controller Ben Cooper said: ““We’ve taken Lady Gaga to Carlisle, Taylor Swift to Norwich and now we’re taking Chris Martin back home. We’re very proud to be able to bring such a diverse range of acts to Exeter, where they’ll be part of our biggest weekend of the year.”

Tickets for the festival are free, with details of how to apply announced on March 21. Priority will be given to people living in Exeter.

Craig David said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of Radio 1’s Big Weekend and I’m excited to be a part of it this year. From hearing When The Bassline Drops on the station to playing it live for the fans, this has been one of the most exciting journeys of my career.”